Business Events Sydney stakeholders go global and prepare for 2012

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) welcomed over 80 industry stakeholders to its International Market Brief at Ivy’s Sun Room this week. This annual event is a forum for exchange where BESydney’s global team from Europe, Asia and the Americas discusses relevant market information and trends. Stakeholders also have the opportunity to share their updates in productive one-on-one meetings.

The morning session commenced with presentations from Business Development Directors Sinead Yeo (Asia), Sue Wilkes (Europe) and Patty Buehler (Americas). Each director presented a summary of their teams objectives, regional market updates and trends and an overview of activities that stakeholders could engage in to maximise international business event opportunities.

“Our international network is essential, allowing us to cultivate long-term relationships with both association and corporate clients, and promote Sydney and New South Wales. Our global presence benefits our stakeholders across the State,” says Lyn Lewis-Smith, BESydney’s Acting Chief Executive Officer.

“Collaboration in forums such as the International Market Brief is extremely valuable for both my team and our stakeholders. Sharing this international industry perspective and listening to our stakeholders informs future strategies. It’s important that we can continue to work together effectively to see Sydney remain Australia’s number one business events destination.”

Later in the morning, BESydney gold-level stakeholders participated in ‘speed-networking’ sessions with senior BESydney staff, including international team members from the global offices. Other stakeholders participated in a Maximise Your Membership Investment seminar lead by Simon Shaw, Head of Stakeholder Relationships.

“Sydney remains future-focused in the midst of an extremely competitive international market. Today was an opportunity for our stakeholders to take stock and prepare to maximise their opportunities within the sector for 2012”, adds Simon Shaw.

Robert Miletic, Director of Sales and Marketing at the InterContinental Hotel Sydney said, “2012 is looking like a strong year for the Intercontinental Hotel Sydney and we will continue to work with BESydney to maximise our opportunities in the business event sector. Taking part in networking events such as today’s International Market Brief and programs such as Dreamtime 2011 present real business opportunities. Just last week we hosted buyers participating in Dreamtime 2011. Wehave already generated three solid leads.”

BESydney has over 200 private sector stakeholders that span the events and business tourism industry. Last financial year 14 gold-level hotel stakeholders secured $11.7 million in room block revenue.